MIXTAPE: Songwriter Showcase with Jenny Balagna and Tim Ostdiek

This is an intimate live show in downtown Longmont, Colorado presented by The Soundpost Sessions at The Times Collaborative featuring two songwriters and host Monica Marie LaBonte all on stage swapping songs and stories in-the-round. Music is from 7:30-9:30, doors at 7:00. Join us for this very special ongoing musical series every other month!

$18 Advance (reserved seating)

$20 Day of Show

The Artists:

Jenny Balagna https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550061005805

Jenny Balagna (Ostdiek by October!) is an up-and-coming songwriter with deep roots in harmony and collaboration, having sung and played in bands for most of her life. Strapped with her baritone ukulele, she brings a blend of folksy covers and heartfelt originals to the stage. Her creativity doesn’t stop at music—she’s also a fantasy author, having self-published her first novel in 2021, with her second set to release in 2025. With her sights set on a debut album, Jenny is steadily building toward her next big musical chapter.

Tim Ostdiek https://timostdiek.com/

Tim Ostdiek is an uplifting folk musician that encapsulates the soul of The Heartland.

A finalist in esteemed songwriting events such as Telluride Troubadour and Folksfest Songwriting Showcase, Tim’s engaging music, combined with clever and thoughtful lyrics, continue accumulating fans, albums, and accolades.

His latest album, “The Lost Days”, is a contemplative concept album that takes you on a journey of his younger self into older age and highlights a mix of introspection and vulnerability. With the help of Ben Hibberd (drums), Chad Mathis (bass), Jenny Balagna (harmonies), Amy Ostdiek (violin), and David Ford (lead guitar), “The Lost Days” has a sound that compliments Tim’s heartfelt lyrics.

“Temporary Home” and “Roots Below” are two other albums that show Tim’s musicianship and songwriting ability.

Originally from Nebraska, and now a long-time Colorado resident, Tim has become a staple in Longmont, CO, and along The Front Range for his musicianship, lyricism, and professionalism.

Monica Marie LaBonte monicamariemusic.com

From a wide-eyed tike delicately pressing the keys of her mother’s upright piano to a seasoned artist taking various stages across the country, Monica Marie LaBonte has always been guided by song.With the sharp ability to craft tracks that speak to the fragility and wonder of life, the crystalline vocalist continues to attract listeners with her stirring blend of folk and country. At times, her lyrics come across as wise whisperings from a dear friend. At others, they hold all the vulnerability and transparency of raw confessions. A keen observer, LaBonte bears witness to life’s magic and heartache and artfully weaves the intricacies of the human condition into tunes that possess undeniable intimacy, grace and grit.In her over 10-year career, the Colorado native has played hundreds of venues, including the historic Gold Hill Inn and Planet Bluegrass. Whether belting out ballads in a small listening room or playing to tens of thousands at an open-air venue, she brings a palpable authenticity to each gig.Known for her stint in mystic-Americana band Monocle, her stellar musicianship and gift for commanding a stage shines just as bright in her solo work.Armed with an acoustic and her truth, it’s clear LaBonte is pursuing her art for all the right reasons. Although her creative pursuits are guided by pure passion, LaBonte hasn’t escaped critical praise and success. A finalist In the 2018 Songwriter Showcase, at Rocky Mountain Folks Fest in Lyons, Colo., she continues to impress with her art.A natural-born wordsmith — in the vein of Joni Mitchell and Alison Krauss — it’s easy to see why the songstress has packed coffeehouses, held her own on the lineup at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and been hailed as having “a voice I trust” by fellow musician Daniel Rodriguez (founding member of Elephant Revival).Powerful, yet understated — poetic, yet real — LaBonte remains one to watch.

Host or Publisher Soundpost Acoustics